That's obviously a long time to still be having pain in that particular area.

Has he had the appropriate diagnostic imaging performed to see if the sternum (breastbone) has healed properly (under normal conditions, no complications, it takes about 6-8 weeks) or the possibility of one or more sternum wires fracturing or breaking?

Various problems may/can occur anytime after open-heart surgery, from the annoying though benign (harmless), such as a clicking noise or sensation to the serious to life-threatening, such as extreme pain with or without swelling.

It is an often overlooked factor that no two individuals are exactly alike, thus the response to treatment, and recovery/healing time, varies (sometimes greatly) from one individual to another.

As deemed applicable, post-heart surgery, some patients may need to see pain management specialist, a doctor who has specialty training in management of acute (occurring suddenly), and chronic (occurring over a long period of time) pain.

ALL types of pain are treated. The goal of treatment is reducing pain to the greatest extent possible. Pain management specialists usually see patients by referral only.

Most important, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is just a clever way of temporarily circumventing the problem (atherosclerosis), as it doesn't address the disease process and what drives the progression.

That's obviously a long time to still be having pain in that particular area.

Has he had the appropriate diagnostic imaging performed to see if the sternum (breastbone) has healed properly (under normal conditions, no complications, it takes about 6-8 weeks) or the possibility of one or more sternum wires fracturing or breaking?

Various problems may/can occur anytime after open-heart surgery, from the annoying though benign (harmless), such as a clicking noise or sensation to the serious to life-threatening, such as extreme pain with or without swelling.

It is an often overlooked factor that no two individuals are exactly alike, thus the response to treatment, and recovery/healing time, varies (sometimes greatly) from one individual to another.

As deemed applicable, post-heart surgery, some patients may need to see pain management specialist, a doctor who has specialty training in management of acute (occurring suddenly), and chronic (occurring over a long period of time) pain.

ALL types of pain are treated. The goal of treatment is reducing pain to the greatest extent possible. Pain management specialists usually see patients by referral only.

Most important, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is just a clever way of temporarily circumventing the problem (atherosclerosis), as it doesn't address the disease process and what drives the progression.

It is uncommon (although not impossible) to have post-surgical pain that is severe 1.5 years after surgery. I would definitely recommend discussing with his doctor whether further evaluation for ischemia (blockage in a coronary artery), heartburn, or anything else might be appropriate.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Sternum issues after triple bypassIt is uncommon (although not impossible) to have post-surgical pain that is severe 1.5 years after surgery. I would definitely recommend discussing with his doctor whether further evaluation for ischemia (blockage in a coronary artery), heartburn, or anything else might be appropriate.

I had the same operation 4 years ago and my sternum still hurts. I have tryed exersise and that makes it worse, mine did click for 4 months after surgury and was told that the pain would go away in a year. I have seen several Dr. but like you they have no idea why or what to do about it. I have come to realise that the pain is the price I pay to live and accept the fact that it will not go away. Sometimes it just hurts other times it burns like it is on fire or there is like being stuck with a needles. Wish you the best but you may be out of luck on finding a fix.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:Sternum issues after triple bypassI had the same operation 4 years ago and my sternum still hurts. I have tryed exersise and that makes it worse, mine did click for 4 months after surgury and was told that the pain would go away in a year. I have seen several Dr. but like you they have no idea why or what to do about it. I have come to realise that the pain is the price I pay to live and accept the fact that it will not go away. Sometimes it just hurts other times it burns like it is on fire or there is like being stuck with a needles. Wish you the best but you may be out of luck on finding a fix.

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